(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Italy Edge Israel in Thrilling World Cup Qualifier Under Gattuso
Italy secured a dramatic 5-4 win over Israel in a World Cup qualifier, giving coach Gennaro Gattuso a second consecutive high-scoring victory after Friday’s 5-0 triumph over Estonia. While the result added crucial points, the match highlighted defensive struggles, own goals, and uncharacteristic errors that Italy must address.
Gattuso admitted the team was “crazy to systematically go on the attack,” noting that Israel capitalized on counterattacks. Despite the chaos, Sandro Tonali’s stoppage-time winner sealed the win, helping Italy leapfrog Israel into second place in the group.
Italy now sits second in Group K with nine points from four games, behind Norway. The Azzurri will need perfect results and improved goal difference in upcoming matches to secure a playoff spot for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Defensive concerns remain, as Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori was benched, and mistakes from Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manuel Locatelli were costly. Gattuso called it his responsibility to find solutions, comparing the match’s drama to the 2005 Champions League final.
On the positive side, Italy’s forwards are in excellent form. Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean, and Giacomo Raspadori have combined for 10 goals and multiple assists in just two games. Tonali has also emerged as a key leader, inspired by Gattuso himself.
While Italy’s high-octane approach brings excitement, Gattuso acknowledged the need for balance, especially when deploying a two-striker formation. Fans will hope the team can maintain attacking flair while tightening up at the back in their remaining qualifiers.
